Anyone got a small Toyota out there? Wife's got a 97 corolla w/107,000K on it. She is convinced she can get it to 250k, or at least 7 more years. I have always used 5w30 when I change it, but have recently gone to 10w30 to try to slow oil consumption. Will synthetics help keep this thing around any longer this late in the game? The extra cost may be worth it if I don't have to change it as often ( besides, it only takes 3.4 quarts to fill) I kind of hope the car dies, but it won't. Only have put tires, plugs and wires into, not too bad.
I know this is a diesel site, but you all have more auto. knowledge than I do.

Thanks

 

Synthetic this late in the game would not be a good idea, its flow qualities will lead to oil leaks more than likely and it probably really be a waste of $$$. Oil consumption at 107K should very little if any from what Ive seen on toys. If its a problem the synthetic wont help.Personally Ive had nothing but bad luck myself from Toyotas, and dont see what all the rage is about them but thats my take.

 

I know there were several Toyotas that had "sludge" problems where the oil would sludge up badly and cause all manner of engine problems. I'm not sure if the Corolla was one of those or not. If it was, you might want to go back to the 5w30 or switch to a synthetic. . Googling Toyota and sludge oughta tell you if the Corolla was prone to the sludging or not, though.

 

Thanks for the replies. Like I said, no problems with the car yet. Wouldn't buy another though. It will be fun to see just how long we can make her go though. I'll probably stick to the cheap oil. Better yet, I'll show my wife how to change her own oil.